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{{German TLR}}
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{{German TLR
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|image=[http://www.flickr.com/photos/50678983@N00/402033471/in/pool-camerapedia http://farm1.static.flickr.com/131/402033471_9b2a4225cc.jpg] Voigtlander Brillant first metal body model<br/><small> image by Dries van den Elzen</small> {{with permission}}
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'''Voigtländer Brillant''' is a series of [[pseudo TLR]] and true [[TLR]] cameras taking 6x6cm exposures on roll [[120 film]], made by [[Voigtländer]] & Sohn AG, Braunschweig, Germany and produced between 1932-1951.
   
The early '''Brillant''' are [[pseudo TLR]] cameras taking 6&times;6cm exposures on [[120 film]], made by [[Voigtländer]] from 1932.<!-- I don't know until when they were made. -->
 
The later focusing model is a true [[TLR]].
 
 
== Introduction ==
 
== Introduction ==
   
The first [[Voigtländer]] '''Brillant''' was released in 1932. <!-- What frame size, what film? I hazily (mis)remember that back in those very early days, the backing of 120 wasn't marked for 6x6. Says Hoary. The original Rolleiflex using 117 film was made from 1928 to 1932 and it switched to 120 film in 1932, so 120 film was marked for 6x6 from this date. --> This early model resembles a [[TLR]] but it is functionally closer to a box camera, since it cannot be focused in the viewfinder. It uses 'zone-focusing' for which one has to estimate the distance to the subject. To assist this estimate, three situations are marked around the taking lens: ''Porträt'', ''Gruppe'' and ''Landschaft''(i. e. ''Portrait'', ''Group'' and ''Landscape''). While TLRs of the same period have a rather dim ground-glass viewfinder, the Brillant has a so-called [[brilliant finder]] made of plain glass.
+
The first [[Voigtländer]] '''Brillant''' was released in 1932. This early model resembles a [[TLR]] but it is functionally closer to a box camera, since it cannot be focused in the viewfinder. It uses 'zone-focusing' for which one has to estimate the distance to the subject. To assist this estimate, three situations are marked around the taking lens: ''Porträt'', ''Gruppe'' and ''Landschaft'' (i. e. ''Portrait'', ''Group'' and ''Landscape''). While TLRs of the same period have a rather dim ground-glass viewfinder, the Brillant has a so-called [[brilliant finder]] made of plain glass.
   
The 1932 version has a metal body. From 1937 onwards, Brillants were made of [[bakelite]], a polymer, and introduced an accessory compartment for an extinction meter or filters. This 1937 version is known as the '''Brillant V6'''.
+
The 1932 version has a metal body. From 1937 onwards, Brillant were made of [[bakelite]], a polymer, and introduced an accessory compartment for an optical light meter and filters.
   
The next major step took place in 1938, with the introdcution of the '''Focusing Brillant'''. A small opaque spot is added in the brilliant finder to focus on. The viewing and taking lens are coupled outside the body through gears. After the introduction of this focusing model, the zone-focusing models continued to be produced.
+
The next major step took place in 1938, with the introduction of the '''Focusing Brillant'''. A small opaque spot is added in the brilliant finder to focus on. The viewing and taking lens are coupled outside the body through gears. After the introduction of this focusing model, the zone-focusing models continued to be produced.
   
== Focusing ==
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== Focusing and controls==
  +
{{Flickr_image
Pre-1938 models use zone focusing. This means there are three markings: ''Portrait'', ''Group'' and ''Landscape'', each supposing a standard distance or depth-of-field. A small table with the right distances is provided in the manual (see links) or inside the accessory-shoe holder. Different language versions were made for various markets; German, English and Czechoslovakian<ref>The terminology used is common to both Czech and Slovak.</ref> versions have been reported. Apart from this zone-focusing, a distance scale in meters or feet and a depth-of-field scale are provided to let the photographer make an educated guess of whether the picture will be in focus.
 
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/50678983@N00/402033478/in/pool-camerapedia
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|image= http://farm1.static.flickr.com/129/402033478_c3f070c9be_m.jpg
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|image_align= right
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|image_text=f9-lens model marked in German
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|image_by= Dries van den Elzen
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|image_rights= with permission
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}}
   
 
Pre-1938 models use zone focusing. This means there are three markings: ''Portrait'', ''Group'' and ''Landscape'' (Porträt, Gruppe and Landschaft), each supposing a standard distance or depth-of-field. A small table with the right distances is provided in the manual (see links) or inside the accessory-shoe holder. Different language versions were made for various markets; German, English (their name became "Brilliant"), Spanish, French, Italian, Polish and Czechoslovakian<ref>The terminology used is common to both Czech and Slovak.</ref> versions have been reported. Apart from this zone-focusing, a distance scale in meters or feet and a [[depth-of-field]] scale are provided to let the photographer make an educated guess of whether the picture will be in focus.
The introduction of the '''Focusing Brillant''' added a third way of focusing: a visual focus check on a small dot of ground glass in the viewfinder.
 
   
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== Eva Besnyö ==
 
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Three shutter speeds are provided; B, 1/25 and 1/50s. The aperture can be set at f9 or f7.7<ref>[http://www.flickr.com/photos/awcam/3224251756/ Photo of f7.7 model]</ref> (full aperture), 11 and 22. The latter two are made by rotating a punched disc with between the lenses. A better model with an f4.5 lens with a [[diaphragm]], and 8-speed [[Compur]] shutter was also available.
Famed Hungarian-Dutch photographer Eva Besnyö used a Brillant for her early work.
 
  +
 
The introduction of the '''Focusing Brillant''' added a third way of focusing: a visual focus check on a small dot of ground glass in the viewfinder.
   
 
== Variations ==
 
== Variations ==
  +
The Brillant is a large range of pseudo-TLR cameras, (box-reflex), and later true TLR cameras. There are many lens and shutter combinations, varied from type to type and in time.
* Early models have a metal body, later models are made of bakelite. Most models have a swing door for accessories; some have a rotating accessory door.
 
  +
There are two body type:
* Aperture, lens and shutter may vary from type to type and in time.
 
  +
* The Soviet camera factory [[GOMZ]]/[[LOMO]] made '''Komsomolets''' and [[Lubitel]] cameras that were clearly based on the Voigtländer Brillant.
 
  +
'''Metal body cameras''' (1932-37)
  +
*The serial number begins with a letter (D-1932 to J-1937)
  +
*These early models resemble a TLR but it is functionally closer to a box camera, since it cannot be focused in the viewfinder
  +
*There are two models:
  +
**'''First metal model''' the front focusing ring has no distance scale, there are markings on the front panel as Portrait, Group and Landscape (Porträt, Gruppe and Landschaft)
  +
**'''Second metal model''' has classic front focusing ring, w/ distance scale
  +
*Some metal body cameras from the transition times between metal and bakelite models have no serial no.
  +
  +
'''Bakelite body cameras''' (1937-51)
  +
*No serial numbers
  +
*Introduced an accessory compartment for an extinction meter or filters. This 1937 version is known as the Brillant V6
  +
*Most models have a swing door for accessories as optical light meter and filter; some have a rotating accessory door
  +
*The Brillant S (1938), or Focusing Brillant, is the only one with a finder lens coupled with the taking lens. After the introduction of this focusing model, the zone-focusing models continued to be produced.
  +
 
The Soviet camera factories [[GOMZ]] and later [[LOMO]] made Komsomolets and [[Lubitel]] cameras that were clearly based on the Voigtländer Brillant Bakelite models, especially Brillant V6.
  +
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{| class="plainlinks" align="center"
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/s-demir/5828912526/in/pool-camerapedia
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|image= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5154/5828912526_fa42ea8f65.jpg
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/s-demir/5828913416/in/pool-camerapedia
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|image= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3508/5828913416_c35c3858db.jpg
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|-
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| colspan="2" align="center" | Voigtländer Brillant second metal model (c.1937) w/ Anastigmat Skopar 75mm f/4.5, diaphragm f/4.5-f/22 and [[Compur]] central leaf shutter, speeds: 1-1/300 +B & T <small>Images by Süleyman Demir {{with permission }}</small>
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|}
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{| class="plainlinks" align="center"
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{{Flickr_image
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/s-demir/5828369071/in/pool-camerapedia
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|image= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3170/5828369071_c43155e4e7_m.jpg
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{{Flickr_image
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/s-demir/5828368373/in/pool-camerapedia
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|image= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5160/5828368373_4a09e54774_m.jpg
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{{Flickr_image
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/s-demir/5828367865/in/pool-camerapedia
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|image= http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2426/5828367865_9aee98997f_m.jpg
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|-
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<nowiki>|colspan=3 align="center"|</nowiki> Voigtländer Brillant second metal model (c.1937)<nowiki></nowiki>
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<small>Images by Süleyman Demir {{with permission }}</small>
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|}
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===Specifications of metal models===
  +
*Taking Lens: various lenses
  +
*Focusing: manual front focusing, guess the distance; Focus range: 1-8m +inf
  +
*Shutter: various central leaf shutters
  +
*Cocking lever: on the lens-shutter barrel
  +
*Shutter release: on the lens-shutter barrel
  +
*Cable release socket: on the lens-shutter barrel
  +
*Frame counter: a red window on the right side of the camera, advance type, manual reset by a small button on the right side of the camera, after loading the film push the button to the right, number 1 appears in the window.
  +
*Viewfinder: waist level non focusing finder, really brilliant, plain glass, hood opens by a knob on top of it, there is an exposure index on the back side of the hood
  +
*Winding knob: on the right upper side of the camera, no double exposure prevention
  +
*Back cover: hinged, opens with the hinged bottom plate together via a latch on the bottom plate; Red window: on the bottom plate
  +
*Film loading: fit the roll film the place under the bottom plate, take-up spool under the back cover
  +
*Others: Tripod socket 3/8 inch; Strap knobs; Body metal; Weight: 569g
   
==Notes==
+
==Notes and references==
 
<references />
 
<references />
   
 
== Links ==
 
== Links ==
 
In English:
 
In English:
  +
*[http://voigtlander.pagesperso-orange.fr/cadresA.htm in Voigtländer Camera Collection]
  +
*[http://www.cameramanuals.org/voigtlander_pdf/voigtlander_brilliant.pdf Manual in OrphanCameras by M Butkus]
 
* [http://www.rolandandcaroline.co.uk/voigb.html Focusing Brillant] in [http://www.rolandandcaroline.co.uk/index.html Roland and Caroline's home page]
 
* [http://www.rolandandcaroline.co.uk/voigb.html Focusing Brillant] in [http://www.rolandandcaroline.co.uk/index.html Roland and Caroline's home page]
 
* [http://www.mattdentonphoto.com/cameras/v_brilliant.html Brillant V6] at [http://www.mattdentonphoto.com/ Matt Denton's site]
 
* [http://www.mattdentonphoto.com/cameras/v_brilliant.html Brillant V6] at [http://www.mattdentonphoto.com/ Matt Denton's site]
 
* [http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/brilia_e.htm Brillant] at [http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/index_e.html The Classic Camera], with an interesting note about the Brillant's use of an extinction meter
 
* [http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/brilia_e.htm Brillant] at [http://www.cosmonet.org/camera/index_e.html The Classic Camera], with an interesting note about the Brillant's use of an extinction meter
 
* [http://www.virtualcameramuseum.com/museum/cameras/voigtlander/brillant/index.html Brillant] in the [http://www.virtualcameramuseum.com/museum/index.html Virtual Camera Museum] at [http://www.virtualcameramuseum.com/ www.virtualcameramuseum.com]
 
* [http://www.virtualcameramuseum.com/museum/cameras/voigtlander/brillant/index.html Brillant] in the [http://www.virtualcameramuseum.com/museum/index.html Virtual Camera Museum] at [http://www.virtualcameramuseum.com/ www.virtualcameramuseum.com]
  +
* [http://www.retrography.com Brillant section on Retrography.com] by Simon Simonsen, Denmark
 
* [http://www.marriottcameras.co.uk/instructions/brilliant_V6/with_pictures.htm Manual for the Brillant V6] in [http://www.marriottworld.com/index.htm F. and S.&nbsp;Marriott's photographic pages]
 
* [http://www.marriottcameras.co.uk/instructions/brilliant_V6/with_pictures.htm Manual for the Brillant V6] in [http://www.marriottworld.com/index.htm F. and S.&nbsp;Marriott's photographic pages]
 
In German:
 
In German:
* [http://www.kameramuseum.de/1voigtlaender/voigt-brillant.html Brillant] in [http://www.kameramuseum.de/titelseite.htm Kurt Tauber's online museum]
+
* [http://www.kameramuseum.de/0-fotokameras/voigtlaender/brillant/brillant-30er.html Brillant] and [http://www.kameramuseum.de/0-fotokameras/voigtlaender/brillant/brillant-bakelit-75stel.html Brillant (bakelite)] in [http://www.kameramuseum.de/titelseite.htm Kurt Tauber's online museum]
 
* [http://www.cinci.de/brill.html Brillant model overview] at [http://www.cinci.de/index.html cinci.de]
 
* [http://www.cinci.de/brill.html Brillant model overview] at [http://www.cinci.de/index.html cinci.de]
  +
In French:
  +
* Lionel's [http://35mm-compact.com/anciens/voigtlander-brillant.htm Voigtländer Brillant TLR overview] at 35mm-compact.com
  +
* At [http://www.collection-appareils.fr www.collection-appareils.fr] by Sylvain Halgand
  +
** [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=11776 Voigtlander Brillant]
  +
** [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=1684 Voigtlander Brillant]
  +
** [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=2109 Voigtlander Brillant] :
  +
** [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=15439 Voigtlander Brillant]
  +
** [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=2482 Voigtlander Brillant]
  +
** [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=12986 Voigtlander Brillant II]
  +
** [http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=11775 Voigtlander Brillant V6 ]
   
  +
* [http://www.cameraboussat.fr/dossier_collection/cible.php?%20id=149 Voigtlander Brillant] at [Au [http://www.cameraboussat.fr/ fil des images]]
[[Category: 6x6 pseudo TLR]]
 
 
[[Category: A]]
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[[Category: German 35mm rangefinder]]
 
[[Category: German 6x6 pseudo TLR]]
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[[Category: German 6x6 TLR]]
 
[[Category: Bakelite]]
 
[[Category: Bakelite]]
 
[[Category: Voigtländer]]
 
[[Category: Voigtländer]]
[[Category: Germany]]
 
 
[[Category: B]]
 
[[Category: B]]
  +
[[Category: 1932]]

Latest revision as of 17:39, 15 October 2014

Voigtländer Brillant is a series of pseudo TLR and true TLR cameras taking 6x6cm exposures on roll 120 film, made by Voigtländer & Sohn AG, Braunschweig, Germany and produced between 1932-1951.

Introduction[]

The first Voigtländer Brillant was released in 1932. This early model resembles a TLR but it is functionally closer to a box camera, since it cannot be focused in the viewfinder. It uses 'zone-focusing' for which one has to estimate the distance to the subject. To assist this estimate, three situations are marked around the taking lens: Porträt, Gruppe and Landschaft (i. e. Portrait, Group and Landscape). While TLRs of the same period have a rather dim ground-glass viewfinder, the Brillant has a so-called brilliant finder made of plain glass.

The 1932 version has a metal body. From 1937 onwards, Brillant were made of bakelite, a polymer, and introduced an accessory compartment for an optical light meter and filters.

The next major step took place in 1938, with the introduction of the Focusing Brillant. A small opaque spot is added in the brilliant finder to focus on. The viewing and taking lens are coupled outside the body through gears. After the introduction of this focusing model, the zone-focusing models continued to be produced.

Focusing and controls[]

Pre-1938 models use zone focusing. This means there are three markings: Portrait, Group and Landscape (Porträt, Gruppe and Landschaft), each supposing a standard distance or depth-of-field. A small table with the right distances is provided in the manual (see links) or inside the accessory-shoe holder. Different language versions were made for various markets; German, English (their name became "Brilliant"), Spanish, French, Italian, Polish and Czechoslovakian[1] versions have been reported. Apart from this zone-focusing, a distance scale in meters or feet and a depth-of-field scale are provided to let the photographer make an educated guess of whether the picture will be in focus.


Three shutter speeds are provided; B, 1/25 and 1/50s. The aperture can be set at f9 or f7.7[2] (full aperture), 11 and 22. The latter two are made by rotating a punched disc with between the lenses. A better model with an f4.5 lens with a diaphragm, and 8-speed Compur shutter was also available.

The introduction of the Focusing Brillant added a third way of focusing: a visual focus check on a small dot of ground glass in the viewfinder.

Variations[]

The Brillant is a large range of pseudo-TLR cameras, (box-reflex), and later true TLR cameras. There are many lens and shutter combinations, varied from type to type and in time. There are two body type:

Metal body cameras (1932-37)

  • The serial number begins with a letter (D-1932 to J-1937)
  • These early models resemble a TLR but it is functionally closer to a box camera, since it cannot be focused in the viewfinder
  • There are two models:
    • First metal model the front focusing ring has no distance scale, there are markings on the front panel as Portrait, Group and Landscape (Porträt, Gruppe and Landschaft)
    • Second metal model has classic front focusing ring, w/ distance scale
  • Some metal body cameras from the transition times between metal and bakelite models have no serial no.

Bakelite body cameras (1937-51)

  • No serial numbers
  • Introduced an accessory compartment for an extinction meter or filters. This 1937 version is known as the Brillant V6
  • Most models have a swing door for accessories as optical light meter and filter; some have a rotating accessory door
  • The Brillant S (1938), or Focusing Brillant, is the only one with a finder lens coupled with the taking lens. After the introduction of this focusing model, the zone-focusing models continued to be produced.

The Soviet camera factories GOMZ and later LOMO made Komsomolets and Lubitel cameras that were clearly based on the Voigtländer Brillant Bakelite models, especially Brillant V6.


|colspan=3 align="center"| Voigtländer Brillant second metal model (c.1937) Images by Süleyman Demir (Image rights)


Specifications of metal models[]

  • Taking Lens: various lenses
  • Focusing: manual front focusing, guess the distance; Focus range: 1-8m +inf
  • Shutter: various central leaf shutters
  • Cocking lever: on the lens-shutter barrel
  • Shutter release: on the lens-shutter barrel
  • Cable release socket: on the lens-shutter barrel
  • Frame counter: a red window on the right side of the camera, advance type, manual reset by a small button on the right side of the camera, after loading the film push the button to the right, number 1 appears in the window.
  • Viewfinder: waist level non focusing finder, really brilliant, plain glass, hood opens by a knob on top of it, there is an exposure index on the back side of the hood
  • Winding knob: on the right upper side of the camera, no double exposure prevention
  • Back cover: hinged, opens with the hinged bottom plate together via a latch on the bottom plate; Red window: on the bottom plate
  • Film loading: fit the roll film the place under the bottom plate, take-up spool under the back cover
  • Others: Tripod socket 3/8 inch; Strap knobs; Body metal; Weight: 569g

Notes and references[]

  1. The terminology used is common to both Czech and Slovak.
  2. Photo of f7.7 model

Links[]

In English:

In German:

In French: